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BBC News – Does your children have a balanced diet of play?

Dr Gummer explains the benefits that can be reaped from both Physical and Digital Play

“There is a place for all kinds of play in a moderate and balanced approach. Parents should not demonise screens,”

She argues that children should not be left to solitary, sedentary, passive activities, but also says parents who schedule certain types of play at certain times may find it counterproductive.

Some regard mindfulness as a “silver bullet”, she says, but she argues that a better approach is to ensure children are immersed in slow toys or activities.

“Our brain needs time to consolidate,” she says. So, everyone needs to make the most of “natural opportunities” to slow down. That could be anything from walking to school or carrying out a repetitive household chore, to reading and modelling.